THOUSANDS of us have done it. Whether we are running late for work, rushing home to let the dog out, or merely just suffered a lack of concentration, most of us would admit to driving a little faster than we should on occasions.

Since 2006, many drivers caught speeding by roadside cameras in Essex have been given the option of taking a speed awareness course, rather than having three penalty points added to their license.

The scheme is to be extended across the country by April, but is it just a get-out-of-jail-free card which cuts insurance premiums, or do participants actually change their ways?

Terry Morley, 64, of Surig Road, Canvey, attended a course at the Wickford Centre after being caught speeding.

He said: “The course was very useful. So many people, including myself, get set in their habits and drive their own way until professionals start pointing out the hazards.”

Drivers who take the course do not even have to inform their insurance companies they have been caught speeding. But despite this Scott Miller, 30, of Collingwood Way, Shoebury, was less enthusiastic about its merits.

He said: “I would have preferred not to have come here.

“I have had to miss a day off work, but I think it has changed my attitude.

“Although, I have to admit, I’m more interested in the selfish aspects, like saving fuel by the way you drive.”

The three and a quarter hour courses are held at seven venues across the county and are led by driving instructors.

They begin by asking participants to come up with reasons why people might speed, before going on to look at hazard perception and practical driving tips to reduce the risk of speeding.

Participants don’t have to take a test to pass the course, but they are expected to take part in group discussions before being issued with a reference number to prove they have attended.

Drivers who are eligible to take the course in lieu of the points will be informed when they receive their fixed penalty notice from Essex Police.

There is a charge of £60 to take the course, which is the same price as the fine, and drivers cannot take the course more than once in three years.

The course was informal, but to the point.

It was delivered with humour and, surprisingly, was only a touch patronising.

National speed awareness trainer Gillian Clegg said: “Some people think they will come here and there will be a lot of finger wagging, but it’s more about education.”

One of the simple but effective techniques the trainers use to drive home the message involves testing the group’s reaction times by seeing if they can catch a pen when it is dropped from just above their hand.

Gillian, a driving instructor with 25 years’ experience, said: “It normally takes two or three goes for someone to catch the pen and they admit they never concentrate that hard when they are on the road.

“It opens their eyes to the potential risk of speeding.”

Drivers on the course are also shown an emotional video featuring people who have lost loved ones through road accidents caused by speeding motorists.

Gillian believes this is a turning point in the course.

She said: “At that point we have already looked at reasons why people speed in a light-hearted way and after the video we ask them, are these reasons?

“Generally they say no, they’re excuses.”